David Copperfield Faces Sexual Misconduct Allegations from 16 Women
Accusations against David Copperfield’s
Magician David Copperfield has been accused of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior by 16 women, with some allegations involving minors, according to a report by The Guardian. The alleged incidents span from the late 1980s to 2014.
Allegations Involving Minors
Several of the alleged offenses reportedly took place when the women were under 18. Three women claim that Copperfield drugged them before engaging in sexual acts, stating they did not feel able to consent. Additionally, four women allege that Copperfield groped them or made them touch him inappropriately during live performances on stage.
Representative's Denial
A representative for Copperfield strongly denied the allegations, calling them "false and scurrilous" and asserting they are "the exact opposite of who David is." Copperfield’s lawyers also issued a statement to the BBC, maintaining his innocence and challenging the validity of the accusations.
Historical Context and Grooming Allegations
One woman reported meeting Copperfield in 1991 when she was 15 years old. She claims he maintained contact with her through phone calls, and when she turned 18, they had consensual sex. However, she believes she was groomed. Copperfield's lawyers acknowledged the relationship but denied any grooming took place.
Legal and Public Response
Copperfield’s legal team stated that the magician has a history of helping protect women from powerful predators and that most of these accusations have been made previously and found to be baseless. They emphasized that U.S. law enforcement has thoroughly investigated similar claims in the past and found no case to answer.
In 2018, Copperfield addressed historical allegations of sexual misconduct on social media, expressing frustration over false accusations and highlighting instances where his accusers were arrested and his innocence was proven.
Copperfield’s Career and Achievements
David Copperfield is one of America’s most renowned magicians, boasting 21 Emmy Awards and 11 Guinness World Records. Despite the allegations, his representatives and legal team continue to defend his character and deny all claims of wrongdoing.